Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 March 2021
59. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport his plans to address the issue of long wait times for driver test dates due to the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15528/21]
View answerThe current public health emergency has had a profoundly disruptive effect on the driver learning and testing system in this country. I can assure the Deputy that my officials and I are very aware of the challenges facing the RSA as they work hard to further manage the backlog in the Driver Testing Service and we continue to monitor the situation and work with the Authority.
RSA driver testers are undertaking driving tests in extraordinarily difficult conditions in the current Covid19 environment. The driving test is conducted in an enclosed space for a period of over 15 minutes, where physical distancing is not possible.
Given the significant risk to testers when conducting a driving test, Government has deemed that the driver testing service should be available ONLY for those involved in essential work under Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions. The Road Safety Authority offers driving tests to those who can produce evidence that they are an essential worker, in accordance with Government definitions. No exceptions can be made.
My Department is liaising with the RSA on an ongoing basis to help the service meet the growing demand for tests within the current public health situation. An additional 40 driver testers have been authorised by my Department along with 36 approved for retention or rehire in 2020. Recruitment has commenced and a panel will be formed. However, hiring of testers requires advertising, selecting candidates and training. Newly hired testers require 7 weeks of training in order to be ready. Training is given by experienced testers, so while new hires are in training the capacity of the service is reduced. We will continue to work with the Authority and monitor progress and we will consider whether additional recruitment is required as tests are resumed generally.
The provision of extra testers will not on its own suffice to address the problem. One of the difficulties is with the capacity of test centres themselves, given limits on throughput due to Covid restrictions.
The RSA are also looking at a number of other measures, including whether the number of tests a driver tester can perform each day can be increased or not. When the service resumed in June 2020, testers were conducting 5 tests each per day, as against 8 before the pandemic. This increased to 6 tests from 14 September. The RSA is looking to increase the number of tests to 7 per tester per day as well as extending operating hours when restrictions are lifted. Any decision on this matter will be guided by health protocols.
Waiting times have increased significantly and while this is not acceptable, we have to be realistic. There are no easy fixes, and it will take time to work through the backlog and bring the numbers down. Until Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions have been eased, no progress can be made on addressing the backlog. However, the Road Safety Authority has plans in place for when the service is allowed to resume for all learner permit holders to be tested at the earliest possible date, and a gradual return of driving test times to their pre-Covid levels.
